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http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/13324/ukraine-s-yanukovych-caught-between-russia-and-the-european-unionSince assuming the presidency in early 2010, Victor Yanukovych has sought to avoid having to choose between the European Union and Moscow. On one issue, however, he could not avoid a choice: Should Ukraine conclude an association agreement, including a deep and comprehensive free trade arrangement, with the European Union, or should it instead join a customs union with Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan?

Ukraine’s Yanukovych Caught Between Russia and the European Union

Since assuming the presidency in early 2010, Victor Yanukovych has tried to pursue a balance between strengthening Ukraine’s integration with Europe and maintaining a positive relationship with Russia. He has also sought to avoid having to choose between the European Union and Moscow. On one issue, however, he could not avoid a choice: Should Ukraine conclude an association agreement, including a deep and comprehensive free trade arrangement, with the European Union, or should it instead join a customs union with Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan?

Over the past several years, Yanukovych has consistently favored an EU association agreement, and Kyiv very much wants to sign the agreement at a summit meeting scheduled for Vilnius in late-November. The economics behind this choice make sense. Ukraine’s trade with the European Union already exceeds its trade with Russia, and the combined gross domestic product of the European Union is six times that of the Moscow-led customs union. ...